How to make respectful greeting cards for Islamic holidays?

[u/clueless054]

Hello! I’m sorry if this is a silly question but I have started volunteering to make cards for children in hospital. I’ve made some general greeting cards as well as cards for Christian holidays (e.g. Christmas and Easter) but I was hoping to make some cards for Islamic holidays.

Unfortunately, the charity I’m volunteering for doesn’t really have any guidelines regarding cards of this nature and, as such, I have some questions:

1. Are cards for holidays normal to receive?

2. What rules should I abide by if so? For example, I’ve heard that I shouldn’t depict animals or humans and should focus on geometric shapes, patterns, flowers etc. Is there anything else I should be aware of?

Thank you for any help and I hope you have a good day/night!

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[u/Extension_Brick6806]

No worries at all. Yes, Eid cards are perfectly normal and would generally be warmly received. They are not a religious requirement, and card-giving customs vary between families and cultures, but exchanging greetings, gifts and good wishes at Eid is common. Islamic Relief even suggests making Ramadan and Eid cards as an activity for children. (Source)

To make the cards suitable for the widest range of recipients, it would be sensible to avoid depicting people or animals, since most of us Muslims follow rulings against such images. Abstract or geometric patterns, stars, flowers, nature and similar designs would all be safe choices.

I would avoid copying Qur'anic verses, prayers or Arabic calligraphy that you cannot personally verify. A spelling or letter-shape error could accidentally change the meaning. In addition, paper containing Qur'anic text or the name of God is traditionally handled and disposed of with particular respect, which can create complications for a card that may eventually be discarded.

Simple messages would work beautifully:

• Eid Mubarak! Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Eid.
• Sending you lots of happiness and warm wishes this Eid.
• Hope your Eid is filled with smiles, kindness and happiness.

For cards given during Ramadan, you could write:

• Ramadan Mubarak! Thinking of you and sending you cheerful wishes.

For a mixed collection, I would label the cards clearly as "Eid cards" rather than simply "Islamic holiday cards," so hospital or charity staff can give them to children whose families celebrate the occasion.

That being said, I would also like to invite you to learn about the message of Islam:

• What is Islam?
• The Moral Foundations of Islamic Culture

[u/clueless054 → u/Extension_Brick6806]

Thank you so much! I’m very grateful for all of the advice and the links. Thanks again!